Convertible railway car



April 22, 1947.

c. E. NEWTON CONVERTIBLE RAILWAY GAR Filed Dec. 12, 1945 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR CAEL E. NEWTON P" 22, 1947- c. E. NEWTON CONVERTIBLE RAILWAY CAR Filed Dec. 12, 1945 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 A from/5Y5 Patented Apr. 22, 1947 CONVERTIBLE RAILWAY CAR Carl E. Newton, Shaker Heights, Ohio, assignor to The Chesapeake and Ohio Railway Company, a corporation of Virginia Application December 12, 1945, Serial No. 634,425

6 Claims.

This invention relates to convertible railway cars and more particularly to a dining car which is convertible into a car adapted for the showing of motion pictures or for other similar entertainrnent.

It has heretofore been proposed to provide dining cars which are convertible to other purposes such as the showing of motion pictures, and various other arrangements have been proposed for the showing of motion pictures on trains, but so far as I am aware, none of these proposals has beenacceptable commercially and all have been open to one or more of the following objections: convertible cars have been either unsatisfactory as dining cars or unsatisfactory as theater cars, or both; the cars have been impracticable as interfering with traflic through the train in which the car is incorporated; the cars have been expensive and difiicult to manufacture; the arrangements for showing motion pictures have required so much non-revenue producing space as tolmake the operation too costly to be feasible.

Accordingly, a general object of the present invention is the provision of a dining theater-car in which the above noted difficulties are eliminated. More specifically, other objects of the invention are the provision of a convertible dining-theater car which may be constructed at substantially the same cost as a conventional dining car having the same seating capacity and accommodations, and which provides an efiicient arrangement for use as a theater car, the arrangement being such that the necessary traflic through the car can continue without interference and without inconvenience to the audience when the car is used as a theater car; the provision of a car which can be converted from one use to the other with a minimum of effort in a short time; the provision of a convertible diningtheater car in which efficient use is made 'of all of the space within the car; the provision of a car in which the main dining space is convertible from a center-aisle diner into a theater auditorium with a side aisle; and the provision of a car havinga main dining space and a lounge, the main dining space being convertible into a theater auditorium, the arrangement being such that restaurant service can be continued in the lounge without interference.

[These objects and other advantageous results of the invention are secured by a car which, when used as a diner, has a main dining space with a row of tables along each side wall in more or less conventional arrangement, providing a central aisle through the car, this being the most car, but stopping efiicient arrangement for dining car service. The tables, however, may be folded against the wall, and the chairs moved to convert the main dining space into a theater auditorium in which the seats are disposed in rows extending across the short of one wall of the car to provide a side aisle for access to the seats and to permit uninterrupted traffic through the car without inconvenience to the audience or interference with the showing of motion pictures other entertainment taking place in the car. A

motion picture'projector is provided at one end of the theater space and a screen at the other end, the motion picture projector and screen being substantially centered with respect to the rows of seats, but being off center with respect to the car itself. Movable partitions are preferably provided at the ends of the theater space, which partitions in one position define the center aisle of the dining car and in another position define the side aisle of the car when converted into a theater car. One of the partitions provides a background for the projection screen and shields it from extraneous light; the projector is mounted immediately behind an aperture in a fixed partition at the opposite end of the diningauditorium space.

Other features and advantages of my invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of a preferred form thereof, reference being made to the accompanying drawings wherein Figure 1 is a plan view showing a car embodying my invention arranged as a dining car; Figure 2 is a plan view of the same car converted into a theater car; Figure 3 is a longitudinal view with one of the walls removed to show the interior of the car arranged for use as a theater car but with all but one of the chairs removed for convenience of illustration; Figure 4 is a transverse sectional view, on an enlarged scale, taken along line 44 of Figure 3; Figure 5 is a transverse sectional view, on an enlarged scale, of the opposite end of the diningtheater space taken along the line 5-5 of Figure 3; Figure 6 is a side elevational view on an enlarged scale showing a preferred form of folding table; and Figure 7 is a view of the underside of the. table of Figure 6, as indicated by line 1-1 of Figure 6.

A car embodying my invention is indicated in. general at 5 in the drawings, and may be of any desired, substantially conventional construction insofar as the running gear, frame work, general size and shape and the like are concerned. The.

invention is shown herein as adapted to a car entry space or passageway H at the rear end of.

the car, a main central dining-auditorium space 12, a lounge space M, and another short entry space or corridor I5 at the front end oflthe. car.

The corridor or entry space. ifattherear o'f 'the car is defined by lockers I5 and switch cabinet I! on one side of the car, and a refrigerator l8 and locker IS on the opposite side of the car. These compartments may be of conventional construction and arrangement and are ordinarily required in the operation of a dining car. In order to accommodate the projection and sound equipment, a small room, booth or compartment of a Width equal to the depth of the locker I9, is disposed adjacent thereto,

When the car is used for dining, a.- table 2| and its associated chairs are disposed opposite the projection room 20; the table and chairs being separated from the main dining space l2 by a folding panel2 2; Thearrangement of lockers, projection booth; table and panel defines a central aisle leading to the main dining space in which the center-aisle arrangement is main-- tained as shown in Figure 1 by disposing the dining tables and their associated chairs in rows along either side of the main dining space, the tables along one side of the main dining space being indicated by reference characters 21, 28, 29. 30, 3|, 32 and33, and the tables on the 0pposite side being indicated by reference characters 3'4, 35, 36 31, 38, 39and 49, each table preferably being adjacent a window IIJ. With a single exception, which Will be explained below, all of the chairs or'seats aremovable so that they can be readily rearranged when the car is to be used as a theater car.

' The forward end of themain' dining space is defined by a folding panel on one side of the car and a fixed bulkhead 46 opposite it. Adjacent the folding panel 45 is a folding service table l'l and forward of it there is another fixed bulkhead 48. A folding partition 49 hinged to the bulkhead as and having a loud speaker 50 mounted thereon occupies the space" opposite the table 41; the space behind the partition 49 being utilized for a supply locker 5!. A fixed bulkhead or panel -52, to which the folding partition 49 is securedwhen the car is used as a diner, is disposed opposite the folding panel 48; the panels 52 and 48" define the end of the lounge space M which contains fixed tables 55, 56, 5'! and 58 with their associated seating accommodations. At the extreme forward end of the car, I preferably'provide an additional locker 59 and a refrigerator 60", these defining the short entry space or corridor l5.

Thus, it will be seen that when the car is used as a diner, the tables and chairs are arranged in substantially conventional fashion with a center aisle through the entire car, providing easy access to the tables, permitting passengers and train crew to walk through the car, and making possible efficient and easy service of patrons seated at the tables. The lockers, refrigerators and panels' provide convenient entry spaces and define the center aisle. Efficient use is made of the space within the car, for when the car is used as a diner all of the space within the car is useful in connection with the dining service, including the small projection booth which serves as an office for the dining-car steward. It is contemplated that the sound equipment therein may be used for announcementsand to provide music at meal times.

In order to convert the car into a theater car, the dining-auditorium space I2 is converted into a theater auditorium, and the partitions at the ends of the dining-auditorium space rearranged I to define entrances to the space at one side of thec'ar. The'first step in the transformation is to fold the table. 21. and the tables 2! to 40, inelusive, against the walls of the car as shown particularly in Figures 2, 3 and 5. The tables may be. of any convenient folding construction. However, I prefer to use the folding tables of the type illustrated in Figures 6 and '7, wherein the tabletop-is supported from the side wall of the car by links BI and 62 pivotedqto the side wall and the table top as shown. The table top is retained in horizontal position by a latch mechanism, the interengaging parts of which are shown at 63a and 631), the latches being releasable by handles 630; the table top is held in folded position by a latch having interengaging parts 65c and 54b mounted on the side wall of the car and the under side of the table, respe s tively. The table is moved from horizontal to folded position by disengaging the latch parts sea and 63b which permits the table top to swing in the manner indicated by the arrow in Figure 6, the table being shown in an intermediate position in broken lines in that figure. The latch 63a and 63b and links insure the secure and rigid support of the tablein horizontal position, and likewise in folded position the table top is retained securely against the wall without danger of accidental displacement. As shown in Figure 5, the tables fold compactly against the side walls of the car, with their supporting links disposed between the table tops and the wall. When folded, the tables extend in front of the windows, but the usual window shades are relied upon to darken the car for theshowing of pictures. After the tables are folded, the chairs associated with table 2! are moved into the main dining space, forming the last row of seats in the auditorium, The panel 22 is folded against the wall into the position shown in Figure 2, and the folding partition 65 is swung across the car extending in alignment with the forward end of the projection booth 263. The partition 65 preferably has a short end portion 66 which extends'longitudinally of the car; the end portion 66 and the folding panel 22' defining a side entry to the space I! which becomes the auditorium space of the car. When the car is used as a diner, the partitions 65 and 66 he along the longitudinal wall of the projection booth, the partition 65 being hinged to the corner of the booth as at 61-. Theauditorium seating arrangements are completed merely by rearranging the chairs for the several dining tables in the manner shown in Figure 2, in rows extending transversely of the car, but stopping short of one wall of the car so as to provide a side aisle indicated at 68 which extends throughout the length of the auditorium space. The auditorium seats as many persons as the main dining space, plus the four chairs associated with table 2!.

In order to serve as a guide for the arrangement of the chairs, the seat 69 is permanently fixed in position. The seat 70 is moved over into alignment with it, forming a row which serves as a starting point from which the location of all of the other seats can be determined. Preferably, the chairs in the various rows are staggered as shown in Figure 2 to give the audience a better View of the projection screen H. Also, a substantial space indicated at 12 is left between the front row of chairs and the screen. The screen may be Of any conventional design, but is preferably supported on a roller adjacent from the ceiling so that it may be rolled up when the car is used-as a diner and simply pulled down into position and secured to the bulkhead 46 when the car is used as a theater car.

In order to form a, background for the projection screen as well as a support for the loud speaker, the hinged partition 49, which carries the loud speaker 50, is swung out transversely of the car into alignment with the fixed partition or bulkhead 46; and the front panel [4 of the partition 49 is swung into a position extending longitudinally of the car as shown in Figure 2, to define the forward entrance to the side aisle 68 and also to form a shield to protect the screen H from extraneous light which might reach it from the lounge portion Id of the car. It will be noted that panel 14 lies in front of panel 49 when the car is used as a diner as shown in Figure 1, and thus serves to protect the loudspeaker 59. In order to open the passage into the auditorium portion of the car, the panel 45 and serving table 41 are folded against the wall as shown in Figure 2. The panel 48 remains fixed as do all of the tables and chairs in the lounge portion l4 of the car;

A preferred arrangement of projection room is illustrated in a little more detail in Figures 3 and 4. As there indicated, the projector (5 is mounted as high as possible on the inner wall Ti of the projection room 2! and is immediately behind an opening 18 in the end wall 19 of the projection room. The projection room is also provided with a permanently mounted shelf or table 80 which forms a support for a' sound reproducing apparatus BI or the like, and also provides a platform on which the operator can stand while operating the projector 16, The projection room provides space for storage of films, records and other equipment and may be used for radio and sound equipment, as a microphone room in connection with a public address system installed throughout the train, etc. The permanent and rigid mounting of the projector insures correct alignment with the screen and steady, vibrationfree projection. The enclosure of the projector in a separate room shields the audience from the noise and light of the projector and permits the operator to load and service the projector in advance of a showing. v

To complete the enclosure of the auditorium portion, a fixed partition 82 extends across the car in alignment with the end wall of the projection booth and immediately beneath the air duct 83. of the air conditioning system. The foldin-g partition 65 is provided with suitable latches (not shown) so that it may be locked both to the floor 6 of the car and to the overhead fixed partition 82. A somewhat similar arrangement is provided at the opposite end of the car as shown in Figure 5 where the fixed partition 85 extends across the car in alignment with the bulkhead 46. The transversely extending portion of the partition 49 is provided with suitable latches (not shown) so that it may be secured both to the car floor '6 and to the fixed partition 85 providing a rigid and secure support for the loud speaker 50, The longitudinally extending portions 66 and M of the partitions and 49, respectively, may be locked to the fioor in any convenient manner.

As noted above, the car provides an eflicient arrangement for dining service, the center aisle giving ready access to the tables for the waiters and the patrons. Likewise, the car provides an efficient and convenient arrangement for a motion picture auditorium. The folding panels at either end of the car define the side aisle of the auditorium and direct traffic toward that aisle, while the arrangement of seats leaves an unobstructed aisle through the auditorium in alignment with the openings provided by the folding partitions. Thus the necessary movements of train crew and passengers through the car can take place Without difliculty and without inconvenience to the audience or interference with the projection of motion pictureson the screen.

The screen is mounted near the ceiling of the car as shown particularly in Figures 3 and5 and is off center with respect to the longitudinal axis of the car, but is centered with respect to the rows of seats. I'he'pro-J'ector is likewise mounted high in the car and is substantially centered with respect to the screen. The mounting of the screen and projector in this fashionhigh and to one side in the carpermits the projection to take place without obstruction by passenger entering or leaving the seats or by persons walking in the side aisle 68. Also, the high position of the screen gives everyone in the audience a reasonably clear view of the screen without requiring a sloping floor or the like. The view is,"of course, improved by the preferred staggered arrangement of the chairs.

portion during the showing of pictures in the main dining-auditorium portion of the car, the kitchen car being connected to the diningtheater car adjacent the lounge portion in the preferred arrangement. If desired, the folding panel 55 may be mounted on spring hinges to constitute a .door completely separating the lounge portion from the main. auditorium portion of the car. The same modification may be made with respect to panel 22 at the other end of the car. i

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various changes and modifications may be made the preferred form of car described in detail in the foregoing specification Without departing from the spirit scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is to be understood that my patent is not limited to the preferred form of the inven-' tion described herein or in any manner other than by the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

, 1. A combination dining and theater car, said car when used as a dining car having a dining space with rows of tables and associated chairs along both sides of the car, said chairs and tables beingarranged to define a center aisle, 9, projection'rocm'at. one endof the dining space and extending from one wall of the. car toone side of said center aisle, and a bulkhead at the opposite end of said dining space extending from the same wall of the car to said center aisle; said dining space being convertible into a theater auditorium wherein said tables are folded against the side walls. Qf; said car and said chairs are arranged in rows facing said bulkhead and extending from one. side of the car, said rows stopping short of the other side of the car to provide a side aisle to permit passage through said car without disturbing occupants of said chairs or interfering with their vision, the ends of said auditorium being defined by a, folding partition extending transversely of said car from said bulkhead to said side aisle, and another folding partition extending transversely from said projection booth to said side aisle.

2. A combination, dining and .theater car, said car when used as a, dining car having a dining space with rows of tables along both sides of the car, chairs for the tables, said chairs and tables being arranged to define a center aisle, a projection room at one end of the dining space and extending from one wall of the car to one side of said center aisle, and a bulkhead at the opposite endof said dining space extending from the same wall of the car to said center aisle; said dining space being convertible into a theater auditorium wherein said tables are folded against the side walls of said car and said chairs are arranged in rows facing said bulkhead extending from one side of the car, said rows stopping short of the other side of the car to provide a side aisle to permit passage through said car without disturbing occupants of said chairs or interfering with their vision, a folding partition extending transversely of said car from said bulkhead to said side aisle, a loud speaker mounted on said partition, another folding partition extending transversely from said projection booth to said side aisle, and a motion picture projector within said projection booth.

3. A combination dining and theater car having a dining-auditorium space having a center aisle when adapted for dining and being convertible into an auditorium having a side aisle, a projection room at one end of said space, said projection room having an end wall extending from a side wall of the car inwardly to said center aisle, a folding partition hinged to said end wall of said projection room and adapted to extend longitudinally of the car adjacent said projection room when said space is used for dining and to extend transversely of said car to said side aisle when said space is converted into an auditorium, and a folding panel opposite said end wall and extending from the opposite side wall of the car to said center aisle, said panel being foldable to a position wherein it extends along said opposite side wall of the car to permit entry to said side aisle.

4.. A combination dining and theater car having a dining-auditorium space having a center aisle when adapted for dining and being convertible into an auditorium having a side aisle, a bulkhead at one end of said space extending from a side wall of the car inwardly to said center aisle, a two panel folding partition hinged to said bulkhead and adapted to extend longitudinally of the car with the panels thereof folded together when said space is adapted for dining, a loud speaker mounted on the inner of said panels and protected by the outer of said panels when the partition is in such position, the partition being movable to a position wherein said inner panel extends transversely of the car from said bulkhead to said side aisle with said loud speaker facing said auditorium and the outer of said panels, extends 1ongitudinally of said car into-said auditorium adjacent said side aisle.

5. A combination dining and theater car having a dining-auditorium space having a center aisle when adapted for dining and being convertible into an auditorium having a side aisle, a bulkhead at one end of said space extending from a side wall of the car inwardly to. said center aisle, a two panel folding partition hinged to said bulkhead and adapted to extend longitudinally of the car with the panels thereof folded together when said space is adapted for dining, a loud speaker mounted on the inner of said panels and protected by the outer or said panels when the partition is in such position, the partition being movable to a position wherein said inner panel extends transversely of the car from said bulkhead to saith side aisle with said loud speaker facing said auditorium and the outer of said panels extends longitudinally of said car into said auditorium adjacent said side aisle, there being a motion picture screen within said auditorium, said bulkhead and said inner panel forming a background for said screen, said outer panel shielding said screen from extraneous light.

6. A combination dining and theater car having a dining-auditorium space having a center aisle when adapted for dining and being convertible into an auditorium having a side aisle, a bulkhead at one end of said space extending from a side Wall of the car inwardly to said center aisle, a two panel folding partition hinged to said bulkhead and adapted to extend longitudinally of the car with the panels thereof folded together when said space is adapted for dining, a loud speaker mounted on the inner of said panels and protected by the outer of said panels when the partition is in such position, the partition being movable to a position whereinsaid inner panel extends transversely of the car from said bulkhead to said side aisle with said loud speaker facing said auditorium and the outer of said panels extends longitudinally of said car into said auditorium adjacent said side aisle, there being a motion picture screen within said auditorium, said bulkhead and said inner panel forming a background for said screen, said outer panel shielding said screen from extraneous light, and a folding panel opposite said bulkhead and extending from the opposite side wall of the car to said center aisle, said panel being foldable to a position wherein it extends along said opposite side wall of the car to permit entry to said side aisle.

CARL E, NEWTON.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 589,215 Moss Aug. 31,, 1897 407,563 Arnold July 23, 1889 914,748 Packard Mar. 9, 1909 2,141,864 Harwood Dec. 2'7, 1938 908,199 Birney Dec. 29, 1908 

